|
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Volcanology dep’t okays disposal of 130 vintage bombs
By Erwin Ambo S. Delilan
THE local chief of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in Negros Occidental on Monday gave the nod to have 130 vintage bombs disposed on the site where it was found.
The bombs were unearthed by scavengers from a foxhole at the foot of Mt. Mandalagan in Barangay Katilingban, some two hours walk from the main barangay road, Thursday last week.
The barangay is among Talisay City's mountain barangays.
The scavengers were said to be looking for scrap irons at that time. It is not very clear as to what actually what brought them to the foxhole.
In an interview Monday, Phivolcs-Negros Science and Research analyst Ben Tanatan said that they see no problem if the police dispose the bombs on site as it will only create surface ground disturbance.
The bombs are believed to have been left by Japanese soldiers during World War II.
Tanatan further said that Mt. Mandalagan is far from Mt. Kanlaon which is located at the Central portion.
Aside from the bombs, the Katilingban residents also found rusty ammunition weighing about a hundred kilos.
The on-site bomb disposal was suggested earlier by Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office Director Charles Calima Jr. to Talisay Mayor Eric Sarratan and Talisay City Police Office Director Jerry Bartolome.
Calima said transferring the bombs elsewhere may only set it off while in transit and create more problems. It is not very clear as to how the bombs will be exploded at the site where it was found.
Chief Inspector Calixto Mabugat, head of the 2nd Provincial Group, was also tasked to check the condition of the bombs.
Denny Montoyo, a bomb expert from Bacolod City Police Office, will not be able to carry on the bomb disposal Tuesday.
Mabugat was also trained in bomb disposal under the Explosive Ordnance Department of the Philippine National Police.
Mabugat, however, said he is yet to evaluate the condition of the explosives and its type as well as the distance of the nearest residential area from the site to where the bombs are located.
Bartolome said in order to reach the area they have to walk on foot for two hours from Barangay Cabatangan. The 11th Infantry Battalion will accompany them.
(June 13, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
